Presentation Civil War M1850 Foot Officer's Sword with a Remarkable History. Inscribed on the top mount, "Presented by the o... (Total: 2 Items)

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Presentation Civil War M1850 Foot Officer's Sword with a Remarkable History. Inscribed on the top mount, "Presented by the officers 1st regt. Ex. Br. To Sergt. Major W. J. Kay July 1st 1861." The following is an excerpt from Kay's records "...on the 2nd day of July 1863 at the battle of Gettysburg, Penna. he was wounded by a 12 lb. spherical solid shot which passed through his horse and tore the calf of his right leg off from his knee to his ankle", doubtless with this sword by his side. Kay enlisted in the 70th New York Inf. Excelsior Braigade as sergt. Maj. June 21, 1861 and was promoted to 2d Lt. on Sept. 1, 1st lt. june 1, 1862 and Captain May18, 1863, having served with the regiment through the Peninsula, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. As a result of his severe wound at Gettysburg, which he remarkably survived, he transferred to the VRC and remained in US service until after the war. The sword is 36" overall with a 30" blade. The blade is etched for 2/3 its length with scrollwork, arms panoplies, eagle and US. The blade is clean and bright with no rust or pitting but the etch does show honest wear. Regulation hilt with fine gauge twisted brass wire, sharkskin grip, about perfect. Hilt excellent with traces of gilt and nice patina. The blued steel scabbard is excellent with smooth dark patina. Plain brass mounts with traces of gilt missing with patina and just a couple of minor shallow dents on the lower mount. Accompanied by a complete set of records. A Civil War sword with few peers for combat history.